Welcome Hilary Butler, PBO’s New Executive Director
Portland Baroque Orchestra (PBO) is excited to welcome Hilary Butler as Executive Director beginning April 3, 2023. Hilary was the standout choice following a rigorous executive search conducted by Martin Bragg & Associates. Martin Bragg & Associates also led PBO’s successful search for a new Artistic Director which concluded with the appointment of Julian Perkins.
Hilary has over 18 years’ experience working with performing arts organizations as an administrator, performer, and director, most recently as Executive Director of Westrick Music Academy in Princeton, New Jersey. Hilary is an advocate for arts access and education and as an Executive Director has enjoyed both fiscal and artistic success, growing operating budgets and staff, and executing special projects such as the commission of new works, numerous national and international tours, and partnering with artists from Michael Bublé to Joyce DiDonato and Il Pomo d’Oro. Prior to Westrick Academy, Hilary served as Managing Director of Bella Voce, Chicago’s premiere professional chamber choir and leader in early music and historical performance practices. She has previously worked with Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Bellevue Youth Theatre, in addition to six years as Director of Choral Activities in public schools in Utah and Oregon. Outside the performing arts, she has consulted with both domestic and international businesses in a variety of industries and in fundraising at the University of Chicago, raising money from major donors for cancer research.
“I am eager to begin working with PBO and grow the organization’s profile locally to match the level of artistic renown PBO enjoys as an international leader in period performance. As a native of the Pacific Northwest, I am thrilled to return to my roots and support PBO and the arts sector as we play our part in the emotional and economic revitalization of the community.”
- Hilary Butler, PBO’s Executive Director
An accomplished vocalist and conductor in her own right, Ms. Butler is passionate about music and has performed with several professional choral, musical theater, and classical music organizations. Hilary holds a Bachelor of Music from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and Finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.
“Hilary is that rare combination of talented business strategist and authentic relationship builder that highly effective nonprofit leaders are known for. The Board of Directors and I are confident that she will be an excellent partner to the musicians and new Artistic Director Julian Perkins as we continue to foster artistic excellence, increase PBO’s financial stability post-pandemic, and deepen our impact in the community.”
- William Willingham, PBO Board Chair